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At Bestmed Medical Scheme we believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We ask you the question, “Why get sick to get better, when you can just stay healthy?” Over the next 15 weeks we will share some very useful info and tips on adopting a healthier lifestyle. It’s a lot easier than you think.

Many people think that staying healthy involves a lot of money, a lot of time, and sometimes a lot of pain. This is not true. Bestmed is here to help you stay on top of your game. We understand that you have a busy lifestyle, and your health tends to take a backseat, but we will show you how a little goes a long way.

Prevention is better than cure

Most of us have unhealthy habits that are difficult to get out of, but whether you want to change your exercise level, your diet, the way you handle stress or any other unhealthy habit, there are tools that can help you live the wellness way. We want to keep you healthy and productive so we encourage you to keep track of your health by getting the relevant vaccines. You need to test for HIV at least once a year. If you are over the age of 20 it is important to get a cholesterol test at least every 5 years and check your blood pressure regularly. We also encourage you to look after yourself in terms of your lifestyle and work life.

Take stress out of your day

We acknowledge that everyone experiences stress, but we motivate you to do something about it. You need to be careful to not over-exert yourself. If your stress is work related, learn to delegate or write up a timetable that includes taking regular breaks. If the stress is at home, find ways to relax and have fun as a family, go out for walks or take a little time out to do an activity you enjoy. What’s important is to identify the source of your stress and cope with it in a healthy way by exercising, learning to say no and talking to your healthcare provider.

Lower your cholesterol

High cholesterol is another growing problem in South Africa, with over 5 million adults suffering from it. The common misunderstanding is that only over-weight people suffer from high cholesterol  – this is not always the case. High cholesterol levels are due to a number of factors including heredity, diet, and lifestyle. You can avoid high cholesterol by lowering your intake of fatty meats, dairy products and processed food. Instead, fill your plate with fruit, vegetables, fish and legumes.

Here’s a quick tip on how to stick to a healthier diet: Write up a weekly meal plan with two or three days dedicated to healthy eating. E.g. Monday is vegetarian day, Wednesday involves eating no dairy products and Fridays substitute meat with grilled fish etc. But speak to your GP before making any drastic changes to your diet, and remember to go for regular cholesterol level tests.

Bestmed cares about your wellness, so check back to this page weekly for additional tips on staying healthy.